Man arrested in Bentleyville drug bust

The exterior of an apartment building police raided Wednesday night in Bentleyville
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Derrow

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A Pittsburgh man was arrested Wednesday night by state police after he allegedly sold five bags of suspected heroin two days earlier out of a Bentleyville apartment.

Michael E. Derrow Jr., 33, was taken into custody about 7:30 p.m. by state police as he entered a bar on Main Street in Bentleyville.

A search warrant was served at an apartment at 603 Main St., Bentleyville, by state police with assistance from the Washington County District Attorney’s Drug Task Force, sheriff’s deputies and Southwest Regional police.

Derrow told police that he stays at the apartment, occupied by Tyler Harrington, three or four days a week and sleeps on the couch.

Found inside the apartment were nine long guns, including a loaded 12-gauge shotgun, as well as $245, police said. Derrow reportedly told police that he knew the guns were in a closet in the residence. As a convicted felon, Derrow is not permitted to have a firearm.

Police said they also found two Klonopin pills and cocaine on Derrow when they took him into custody. He is on probation for felony drug charges in Allegheny County.

“This case came together very quickly Wednesday afternoon,” said District Attorney Gene Vittone. “I applaud the efforts of the law enforcement officers who participated in this search and arrest.”

Derrow was arraigned before District Judge Curtis Thompson on charges of possession with intent to deliver heroin, possession of a controlled substance, possession of paraphernalia and persons not to possess a firearm. He was placed in the Washington County jail on $30,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is set for Thursday before Thompson.